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Pence bringing a patient approach to the plate

ST. LOUIS -- Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has noticed Hunter Pence being more patient at the plate. Not only has that resulted in Pence walking more, but Manuel thinks the new approach has helped Pence's confidence, as well.

"He definitely wants to do much, and thinks he has to do a whole lot," Manuel said before Friday's game. "I think Hunter is one of those guys, he doesn't necessarily need a lot of attention, but I think if you put a lot of expectations on him and he feels like he has to do it, he has to be real good. But no, just be yourself."

Pence has walked in seven straight games entering Friday. He had walked only six times in his previous 16 games before beginning the seven-game streak. During that stretch, Pence saw his batting average and on-base percentage drop to their lowest points in all of May. He was hitting .243 with a .291 on-base percentage on May 14.

Since then, Pence has brought his OBP up to .325 and is batting .254.

ST. LOUIS -- Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has noticed Hunter Pence being more patient at the plate. Not only has that resulted in Pence walking more, but Manuel thinks the new approach has helped Pence's confidence, as well.

"He definitely wants to do much, and thinks he has to do a whole lot," Manuel said before Friday's game. "I think Hunter is one of those guys, he doesn't necessarily need a lot of attention, but I think if you put a lot of expectations on him and he feels like he has to do it, he has to be real good. But no, just be yourself."

Pence has walked in seven straight games entering Friday. He had walked only six times in his previous 16 games before beginning the seven-game streak. During that stretch, Pence saw his batting average and on-base percentage drop to their lowest points in all of May. He was hitting .243 with a .291 on-base percentage on May 14.

Since then, Pence has brought his OBP up to .325 and is batting .254.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.